The Polite House by JVA

Situated in Norway, this compact single family house is overlooking the fjord and city of Trondheim. The house has a modest and abstract formal character in a neighbourhood with various density and architectural expressions.

Description by JVA

Regulated minimal distance to adjacent road is maintained by the shifting geometrical shape of the house.

The shift also obtains a significant view for a neighbour up the hill. These two obstructions – road and neighbour – gave the house its characteristic form.

Strong verticality has emerged from a narrow site. The upright shape gives great views from the living room to the north, and the lifted terrace provides a comfortable outdoor space to the south.

The shifted upper level of the house makes intricate spaces inside. The plan is really compact with various functions combined such as play area with hallway, guest with office space and kitchen and living room together. Angled walls and narrow spaces give specific solutions to a dense house.

The vase-like expression of the house has emerged from minimal details, along with an exterior and interior cladding in white fiber cement panels. Ceilings are in birch plywood and the floor is made in epoxy terrazzo cast on site which gives a warm atmosphere to the interior.